Abstract: A device displays information in identification areas of traffic signs, signposts, billboards, license plates, etc. The identification area is provided with a surface having an artificially producible base structure and other structures or itself forms such a surface having a self-cleaning effect. The base structure has or develops a capillary effect in which the quotient of capillary work and adhesion work is greater than 1. The capillaries have a negative rise, that is, liquid is pressed form the capillaries, providing the self-cleaning effect.

Abstract: The present invention includes a chemical monolayer construction that comprises: (a) a substrate having a contact surface; and (b) a plurality of substantially parallel molecular units, wherein said molecular units are attached to said substrate so as to be strongly coupled electronically to said substrate, such as through a conjugated bond. The present invention also includes electronic circuit components and devices including a chemical monolayer construction of the present invention.

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water. The protective winter turf cover is efficiently held down with a dual apertured washer and x-position of nails therethrough.

Abstract: An outer covering for the inside panel of a vehicle, whereby said panel includes a device for the accommodation and deployment of a safety air cushion, comprising the following: a support which includes a device for the accommodation and deployment of a safety air cushion; an inner layer consisting of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer foam material covering said support and fixed thereto; an outer covering or skin made from a thermoplastic polymer material covering the inner layer and fixed thereto. The inventive covering is characterized in that it does not have any incipient ruptures on the part of the panel which is used to accommodate and deploy the safety air cushion; it is made of a thermoplastic polymer material in the form of a powder by means of a free flow and means of molding in a hot mold; the chemical composition is indicated for the entire panel and is obtained from a thermoplastic elastomer composition.

Abstract: Self-assembled monolayers and multilayer thin film structures were assembled from multiple components that were linked non-covalently by metal-ligand complexation. Non-covalently assembled multicomponent films assembly my the present method obviate problems associated with the covalent assembly of SAMs and multilayer thin film structures from large molecules. In one preferred embodiment, the disclosed film structures comprise 2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate ligands attached to an alkanethiol, which form a self-assembled monolayer on gold. The SAM is subsequently functionalized by sequential deposition of metal ions and ligands, allowing incorporation of one or more chromophores, photooxiding compounds or photoreducing to form multilayer film structures. Transition metals, lanthanide metals and other metals of varying charge may be employed in complexing with with 2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate ligands to form stable ordered structures.

Abstract: Novel window and patio door frame members are formed by an extrusion process that provide these members with at least one channel and with an outer weather resistant surface and an internal imitation wood surface together with integrated sealing strips formed in the channels for the doors, these components being fully integrated. The process is carried out by extruding a foamed profile with a channel through a first die therein having reduced dimensions where a protective shell is desired, co-extruding a plastic with said foamed profile in a second die to form a protective shell where the reduced dimensions occur, passing the co-extrusion though a calibration die, and then heating the co-extrusion at selected location where weather stripping is desired and then passing the co-extrusion through a final die where plastic weather stripping is extruded therewith and then cooling the integrated member.

Abstract: From about 50 to about 90% by weight of fibers, in particular wood fibers, and/or pellets made from cellulose or from wood, are mixed with from about 10 to about 50% by weight of a hot-curing resin, each of the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the mixture. Instead of a single resin it is also possible to use a mixture made from two or more hot-curing resins. The mixture made from fibers and/or pellets and resin is kneaded and homogenized and then passed on to an extruder which has various heating zones in which the mixture is heated. Care has to be taken here that the maximum temperature, arising at the extruder exit, does not exceed about 120° C., since above this temperature the resin(s) begin(s) to cure.

Abstract: A light diffusing film including a film including crystalline polymer compound C laminated to at least one face of an internal light-diffusing film including an islands-in-a-sea structure including a sea component of thermoplastic resin A and an islands component of thermoplastic resin B, wherein thermoplastic resins A and B have different refractive indexes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a chemical monolayer construction that comprises: (a) a substrate having a contact surface; and (b) a plurality of substantially parallel molecular units, wherein said molecular units are attached to said substrate so as to be strongly coupled electronically to said substrate, such as through a conjugated bond. The present invention also includes electronic circuit components and devices including a chemical monolayer construction of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising substrate with a surface feature having a roughness average (Ra) of from 1 to 200 micrometers containing a dispersion of minute layered particulates in a polymer binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for flowable products having improved barrier and/or mechanical properties and methods for making said containers. These improvements are achieved by incorporating into at least one layer of the container structures a polymeric nanocomposite comprising a polymer and nanosize particles of a modified clay.

Abstract: Image-receiving sheets for electrophotography are provided, which are excellent in anti-curling property and anti-cracking property of the image surface thereof and which can be easily produced. The image-receiving sheets include a base paper and a toner image-receiving layer made of a thermoplastic resin on at least one surface of the base paper. The toner image-receiving layer contains less than 40% by mass of a pigment, based on the thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin infiltrates into a depth of 1 to 50% of the thickness of the base paper from the surface of the base paper at the toner image-receiving layer side.

Abstract: Organic superlattices formed by molecular layer epitaxy (MLE), and a novel MLE method of forming organic molecular monolayers are disclosed. The method utilized covalent linkage, combined with self-cleaning layer growth, to form pi-stacked, ordered, oriented monomolecular layers for use in a variety of electronic applications.

Abstract: An image-receiving sheet for electrophotography is provided, which has an excellent gloss and which can be easily produced. The image-receiving sheet includes a base paper and a toner image-receiving layer comprising a thermoplastic resin on at least one surface of the base paper. The toner image-receiving layer contains less than 40% by mass, based on the thermoplastic resin, of a pigment. The thermoplastic resin is infiltrated to a depth of 0.01% to less than 1% of the thickness of the base paper from the surface of the base paper at the image-receiving layer side.

Abstract: Organic superlattices fromed by molecular layer epitaxy (MLE), and a novel MLE method of forming organic molecular monolayers are disclosed. The method utilized covalent linkage, combined with self-cleaning layer growth, to form pi-stacked, ordered, oritented monomolecular layers for use in a variety of electronic applications.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a patterned surface wherein predetermined regions of the surface are masked with a self-assembled monolayer (“SAM”) covalently bound to a brush polymer overlayer. The remainder of the substrate surface will generally be functionalized with a second self-assembled monolayer. Preferably, the method involves a microcontact printing technique, wherein a molecular moiety capable of spontaneously forming an SAM upon transfer to a surface is “stamped” onto a substrate surface, followed by growth (or covalent attachment) of a polymer on exposed functional groups within the SAM molecules. Coverage of surface regions with both an SAM and a polymer overlayer provides a number of advantages, particularly with regard to surface masking during etching and the like. The method is useful in the manufacture of microelectronic circuitry, biosensors, high-density assay plates, and the like.

Abstract: Breathable, flushable, porous films and articles made therewith and a process for making these films. The present invention is directed to composites comprising a polymer that is water-soluble or water-degradable and a filler. The films are made by extruding the composite materials into a precursor film and, preferably, stretching the precursor film to achieve the desired breathability and water-dispersibility of the finished film. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises a polymer of ethylene oxide and a filler such as calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A structural member in which a super water-repellent function and high durability and scratch assistance can be obtained; and a method of manufacturing such a structural member. A water-repellent structure (100) consisting of appropriate irregularities comprising protrusion portions (18) uniform in height is formed on an external surface. The irregularities (17 and 18) have such dimensions that any droplet should not fall in a recess portion and the droplet is in contact with an air layer (20) in the recess portion (17).

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water.

Abstract: The formation of self-assembled patterns in a substrate through deformation induce by a mask placed above the substrate are disclosed. Methods of the present invention may be used to form arrays of nanometer sized pillars as well as mesas from a thin deformable layer of the substrate or a thin film of material deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a reactive friable polyimide powder comprises dissolving an aromatic dianhydride and an organic diamine in a high-boiling, aprotic organic solvent to form a reaction solution; heating the reaction solution under imidization conditions to form an insoluble reactive polyimide and to effect substantially complete distillation of the water of reaction out of the reaction solution; and separating the insoluble reactive polyimide from the reaction solution to form a reactive friable polyimide powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic film structures having improved barrier and/or mechanical properties and methods for making the film structures. These improvements are achieved by incorporating into the thermoplastic film structures a polymeric nanocomposite comprising a polymer and nanosize particles of a modified clay.

Abstract: A system and method of bonding is disclosed which is suitable for providing a strong interlocking adhesive bond between two surfaces. At least one bonding surface is provided with multiple layers of spherical shaped protrusions. The multilayer spherical bonding surface is formed from the substrate and therefore is continuous. Many methods may be employed to form this surface, including the lost wax casting process. Such bonding surfaces provide good interlocking properties for bonding agents such as epoxy resins and ceramics. In addition, the uniform curvature of the spherical particles themselves reduces points of stress thereby substantially reducing or even eliminating the formation of stress fractures.

Abstract: A surface coating composition for providing a self-assembling monolayer, in stable form, on a material surface or at a suitable interface, as well as a method of preparing such a composition and a method of using such a composition to coat a surface, such as the surface of an implantable medical device, in order to provide the surface with desirable properties. The method provides the covalent attachment of a SAM to a surface in a manner that substantially retains or improves the characteristics and/or performance of both the SAM and the surface itself. Covalent attachment is accomplished by the use of one or more latent reactive groups, e.g., provided by either the surface and/or by the SAM-forming molecules themselves.

Abstract: The self-cleaning surfaces of objects have an artificial surface structure of elevations and depressions wherein the distances between said elevations are in the range of from 5 to 200 &mgr;m, and the heights of said elevations are in the range of from 5 to 100 &mgr;m, and at least said elevations consist of hydrophobic polymers or permanently hydrophobized materials, and said elevations cannot be detached by water or by water containing detergents.

Abstract: Non-spherical particles including a major dimension, for example flakes of material, are positioned with the major dimension oriented generally along an article surface in respect to which the particle is disposed. The particles, disposed in a fluid medium, the viscosity of which can be increased to secure the particles in position, are positioned using a force on the particles. The force includes torque force from a magnetic field, force from flow of the fluid medium, the force of gravity, and the force of surface tension alone or in combination with the force of gravity.

Abstract: Ligand-containing coating layers on the surface of hydroxide-bearing substrates comprising transition metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Group IVB, Group VB and Group VIB of the Periodic Chart covalently bonded to the surface hydroxyls of said substrate, wherein each transition metal atom is further covalently bonded to one or more ligands of said coating layer, thereby covalently bonding said coating layer to said substrate. Disclosed ligands include inorganic phosphates and organic phosphonates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matt, biaxially oriented polyester film having at least one matt base layer (B) which comprises at least 70% by weight of thermoplastic polyester, and also a pigment system with narrow grain size distribution. The invention further relates to the use of the film and to a process for its production. The film of the invention has characteristic matt surfaces and has good suitability for use as a packaging film or for industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blow molded article with a smooth appearance and to the method of making the article. More particularly, the blow molding system of the present invention utilizes a thermal cycle to eliminate certain molding defects and a non-mirrored mold cavity surface to eliminate other molding defects. The thermal cycle sets the cavity temperature to a prescribed range to eliminate spot marks and line marks. The mold cavity surface has minute concavities/convexities and thereby produces an article with minute concavities/convexities such that when the article is painted, a smooth surface is produced without the need for sanding either the mold surface or the paint surface.

Abstract: An exterior panel (10) for a motor vehicle has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of less than 20×10−6 inches of expansion per inch material per degree Fahrenheit. The exterior panel (10) comprises a rigid structure (14) formed from at least one thermoplastic material and reinforcement particles dispersed within the at least one thermoplastic. The reinforcement particles comprise less than 15% of a total volume of the rigid structure. At least 40% of the reinforcement particles have a thickness less than about 50 nanometers. A decorative coating layer (12) having at least one coloring agent is disposed on the rigid structure (14).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer-clay nanocomposite material comprising a melt-processible matrix polymer and a layered clay material having decreased levels of extractable material, such as extractable salts of organic cations. This invention is also directed to processes for preparing polymer-clay nanocomposites, and articles or products produced from nanocomposite materials.

Abstract: A method for forming an oriented strand board comprises forming a laminate of mats of wood flakes covered with a resin and pressing the laminate under heat. The laminate comprises a core layer laminated to two surface layers. The flakes are bound together with a resin comprising phenol formaldehyde (PF) or polymeric methylene di-isocyanate (MDI).

Abstract: A granule of a compound comprising a nitrate or nitrite, wherein a part of the body of the granule has a protrusion, and an aggregate of the granules.

Abstract: A films composite useful for various printing methods, and particularly UV ray flexographic printing, includes a top layer formed on a substrate film made from a synthetic polymer, particularly polypropylene, containing a binder resin and having an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of 0.2 to 3.5 determined in accordance with JIS B 0601 and, optionally, an anchor layer formed between the substrate film and the top layer and containing an adhesive resin and an adhesive undercoat layer formed between the substrate film and the anchor layer and containing an adhesive resin.

Abstract: A filter media having a synthetic microfiber polymer fine fiber web wherein the diameter of the fibers is between about 0.8 to about 1.5 microns. The filter media is acceptable for use in ASHRAE applications. Constructions with a low DP backing, support or prefilter layers of coarse fiber provide large area filter webs of high efficiency and a stale and high threshold value of alpha above eleven.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating (TBC) for a component intended for use in a hostile environment, such as the superalloy turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The TBC is formed to contain small amounts of alumina precipitates dispersed throughout the grain boundaries and pores of the TBC to getter oxide impurities that would otherwise allow or promote grain sintering and coarsening and pore coarsening, the consequence of which would be densification of the TBC and therefore increased thermal conductivity. If sufficiently fine, the precipitates also serve to pin the grains and pore boundaries of the TBC, the effect of which is to reduce the tendency for the microstructure of the TBC to sinter, coarsen and undergo pore redistribution, which also increase thermal conductivity of the TBC 26.

Abstract: A cleaning tape comprising a nonmagnetic base film, an evaporated metal layer, specifically a magnetic layer or electroconductive layer, formed on the nonmagnetic base film, an inorganic protective film formed on the evaporated metal layer, and surface projections formed on the nonmagnetic base film by particles having a predetermined diameter and density. The tape has a low electric resistivity, a low head abrasion, and a sufficient cleaning effect suitable for cleaning a magnetoresistive type head.

Abstract: The polyamide resin shaped article of the present invention is produced by preliminarily melt-kneading a m-xylylene-containing polyamide resin and a layered silicate subjected to a swelling treatment to prepare a resin composition containing the layered silicate in high concentration, melt-kneading the resin composition with another portion of m-xylylene-containing polyamide resin, and then formed into the shaped article. Since the amount of the m-xylylene-containing polyamide resin exposed to the heat history twice in the melt-kneading steps is minimized, the gel formation due to the thermal degradation can be reduced and the lowering of the relative viscosity due to the decrease of the molecular weight caused by the thermal degradation of the m-xylylene-containing polyamide resin is prevented.

Abstract: Novel breathable environmentally stable, water weakenable films, fibers, and articles, useful for disposable applications and methods for making them are disclosed. The films, fibers and articles are manufactured from novel polymer blends and demonstrate improved stability and enhanced strength when exposed to environmental conditions of increased humidity and elevated temperature. The breathable, environmentally stable, water weakenable films, fibers, and articles manufactured from the novel polymer blends are particularly useful for the manufacture of disposable products.

Abstract: Embossed oriented thermoplastic films and methods of making them are described. The embossed oriented thermoplastic films have substantially the same mechanical properties as unembossed oriented thermoplastic films. The depth of the embossments ranges from about 1 &mgr;m to about 200 &mgr;m. The methods include providing an oriented thermoplastic film having first and second major surfaces, softening at least one of the first and second major surfaces to produce a softened surface, embossing the softened surface to produce an embossed oriented thermoplastic film, and cooling the embossed oriented thermoplastic film.

Abstract: Novel polymer blends useful for manufacturing breathable, environmentally stable, and water weakenable disposable films, fibers, and articles, and methods for making the blends are disclosed. The films, fibers and articles manufactured from these novel blends demonstrate improved stability and enhanced strength when exposed to environmental conditions of increased humidity and elevated temperature. Films, fibers, and articles manufactured from the novel polymer blends are particularly useful for the manufacture of disposable products.

Abstract: A functional member having a molecular layer on its surface, wherein the molecular layer is formed through a coordinate bond, and the coordinate bond is a multidentate bond in which at least one molecule is bonded to one metallic atom of the member and two or more ligands of the molecule are coordinated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer-clay nanocomposite having an improved gas permeability comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and incorporated therein (ii) a layered clay material intercalated with a mixture of at least two organic cations. The invention also relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite and articles produced from a nanocomposite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a colorant composition comprising a layered clay material intercalated with at least one cationic colorant, optical brightener or a mixture thereof. This invention also relates to a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and (ii) a layered clay material intercalated with at least one cationic colorant, optical brightener or a mixture thereof, wherein the clay-cation colorant/optical brightener intercalate is incorporated into the matrix polymer. The invention further relates to articles produced from the polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes by which a polymeric hydrogel can be securely adhered to a substrate to form a hydrogel laminate with greatly improved delamination resistance. The laminate is formed by casting onto a polymeric adhesive-coated substrate an aqueous solution of hydrophilic polymer, then exposing this composite to ionizing radiation which cross-links the hydrophilic polymer to form a hydrogel and also induces copolymerization of the hydrophilic polymer and the adhesive polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic fiber paper, the synthetic fiber paper comprises poly (phenylene terephthal amide) fiber, polyethylene glycol terephthalate fiber and powdered mica. The synthetic fiber paper has high-temperature resistance, high strength, low-deformability, resistivity against fire, burning resistance, resistance to chemical corrosion and excellent property of electric insulation, it can be widely applied in the field of mechano-electronics product, aviation, aerospace, military project for national defence, high-tech areas for civil use, high-voltage equipment, high-temperature circumstance as insulting material, it often can be used in composite materials with special use as structural material. The present invention also provides a process for preparing this synthetic fiber paper.

Abstract: The circumferential edge portion of a ductile rotating body containing abrasive grains is used to polish the surface of a ceramic substrate. The angle &thgr; formed between the polished direction D0 of the ceramic substrate and the rotating direction D1 of the rotating body is set in the range from 10° to 80° for the polishing step. Alternatively, the polishing process is divided into at least two steps, and the average grain size of abrasive grains is reduced stepwise in the successive steps of the polishing process. According to this method, the surface of a large-area and thin ceramic substrate can be polished without damage, and a smooth polished ceramic surface can be provided. This method is particularly suitable for polishing a ceramic substrate having a thickness of at most 2.0 mm, and the resulting polished ceramic substrate is suitable for a ceramic heater in a thermal fixation device for fixing a toner image.

Abstract: An alkanethiol of formula (1):

Abstract: The invention relates to a relatively soft, largely planar, though three-dimensional product, obtainable by means of an embossing tool for converting a relatively soft, planar starting product as a result of embossing to the extent that an embossing pattern exists which comprises a plurality of “hinged parallelograms” that are limited by lines of compressed material such that when tractive forces are applied, this hinged parallelogram structure behaves like a pantograph and a secondary bulk is superimposed as a result of a stretching process on the primary bulk produced by the embossing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal oxide particles capable of being highly dispersed in organic materials to form transparent colloids and ceramers. The metal oxide particles of the present invention have surfaces attached to a dispersing aid and a degree of crystallinity of greater than 55 percent. The crystallite diameter of the metal oxide particles is greater than about 4 nanometers and less than about 20 nanometers. The present invention also relates to the colloids and ceramers prepared using these metal oxide particles and the methods associated with the preparation of the particles, colloids, and ceramers.